LONDON MAN CONVICTED OF WIFE’S MURDER IN BATH
A 'MASTER MANIPULATOR' has been convicted of murdering his fiancée after her body was found in an overflowing bath.Clifford Cowen, 59, told a 999 dispatcher he had concerns for his 70-year-old partner Rita Fleming, claiming he'd seen her feet sticking out of her bed after peering through the letterbox.
When police arrived at the property in Golborne Road, Kensal Town, west London, on June 23 last year, they found her fully clothed in a nightdress in the bath, having suffered multiple injuries.
Officers became suspicious of Cowen because he repeatedly told them to check CCTV to prove he hadn't been at Rita’s address, leading to his arrest.
During interrogation, Cowen claimed their relationship was loving; however, police found multiple messages and voice notes indicating he regularly drank and verbally abused her.
He was charged with her murder on July 5, 2024, and following a four-week trial at the Old Bailey, he was found guilty on Thursday.
The killer is due to appear at Kingston Crown Court on September 1 for sentencing.
Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell described Cowen as a controlling and abusive partner who tried to make Rita's death look accidental.
She stated, 'Clifford called 999 that day and attempted to make Rita’s death look like an accident, as though she had drowned in the bath.' The court was shown evidence of Cowen's manipulative behavior and the police have emphasized the importance of reporting domestic abuse to support victims and prevent further tragedies.
